The Central Nervous System

Question

The central nervous system
A) is the site for processing information.
B) initiates visual and auditory stimuli.
C) consists of 43 pairs of nerves.
D) is totally involuntary.
E) does not interact with the peripheral nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system (CNS) is primarily responsible for processing and integrating information it receives from the body and the external environment. It consists of the brain and spinal cord, which interpret sensory information and issue instructions based on past experiences, reflexes, and current conditions. Choices B, C, D, and E are incorrect: B) The CNS processes rather than initiates stimuli; C) The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, not 43 pairs of nerves (which refers to the number of pairs of spinal and cranial nerves in the peripheral nervous system); D) While some functions of the CNS are involuntary, it also governs voluntary actions; E) The CNS interacts extensively with the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to receive sensory inputs and send out motor commands.